Anthony Zanesco
on the Effects of Meditation, Mind Wandering, and Spontaneous Thought
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Show Notes:
In this episode of Noble Mind, Anthony Zanesco discusses research on the effects on meditation and the experiences of mind wandering and spontaneous thought. He explains different aspects of mindfulness and shares insights about why most people find meditation to be a difficult task. Listen in to learn more about mysterious microstates that our brains cycle through all day long.
Dr. Anthony Zanesco is a cognitive neuroscientist who studies attention and mind wandering, their brain dynamics and underlying neural signatures using EEG, and how meditation and mindfulness training affect one's ability to focus and regulate distraction. He completed his PhD at the University of California, Davis, in 2017. He is currently a postdoctoral associate in the laboratory of Dr. Amishi Jha in the Psychology Department at the University of Miami.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Zanesco’s Shamatha research and the potential impacts of long-term meditation on cognitive and emotional processes
- How mind wandering is often used in meditation teachings
- The differences between mind wandering, spontaneous thought, and rumination
- How Dr. Zanesco and others have studied sustained attention
- How mindfulness interventions might benefit people’s attention
- How negative core beliefs sometimes slip into our attention as practitioners of mindfulness
- Dr. Zanesco’s theories on microstates that represent rapid brain dynamics and spontaneous activity
- The different aspects of mind wandering and how to channel that into meditation
- People’s perspectives of mindfulness in relation to emotional availability and response
Connect with Dr. Anthony Zanesco
Resources Mentioned
- ‘Cognitive Aging and Long-Term Maintenance of Attentional Improvements Following Meditation Training’ in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement
- 7-Year Follow Up Shows Lasting Cognitive Gains From Meditation
- Research by Dr. Anthony Zanesco
- The Saron Lab - Shamatha Project
- The Jha Lab: Exploring the Stability and Mutability of Attention and Working Memory
Recent Past Episodes:
Hosts:
Katherine King, PsyD
Katherine King, PsyD is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at William James College. She was trained in evidence-based treatments within the Veterans’ Administration and has a private practice specializing in geropsychology. She is also a member of the Boston Shambhala Center Board of Directors, a vajrayana student of Buddhism, and has practiced meditation for over 20 years. Learn more about Kate at www.drkateking.com.
Alex Gokce, MSW
Alex Gokce, MSW has a master’s degree in social work from Salem State University and an undergraduate degree in Comparative Government from Harvard University. He has led psychotherapy groups on topics including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mind-body approaches to pain management. He has co-led programs at the Boston Shambhala Center on the topics of trauma and self-compassion. His personal and professional interests center around the individual, societal and intergenerational impacts of trauma, as well as the sociocultural roots of interpersonal harm.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information shared in this podcast is strictly for educational purposes only, and is not intended as psychological treatment or consultation of any kind.
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The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and training of mental health professionals in the integration of mindfulness meditation and psychotherapy.
